12 January Wainuiomata News

Ginny Andersen MP for Hutt South

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YOUR LOCAL NEWS

Wainuiomata office 04 564 4988 Queen Street Mall, Wainuiomata Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm

Authorised by Ginny Andersen MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Wednesday January 12, 2022

Today 14-21

Thursday 13-17

Friday 13-18

Saturday 13-20

Gabriel Tupou, Wainuiomata Community Board Chair with one of this years Spirit Award recipients Trey Zell.

Phone: (04) 587 1660

Emere Designs Wainuiomata’s Brooke Jones juggles business with baby Zaiden.

First in line to get the COVID vaccination at the newly opened Wainuiomata Maraecentre Harete Kawana.

Farewell to the challenges of 2021 We all adapted to a new normal for a while during 2021 and as a community came together to make the best of it, even with another looming lock-down, Wainuiomata Marae stepped into the breach and with the guidance of Kokiri Marae General Manager Teresea Olsen dedicated the Mare to getting locals vaccinated.

Hut t Cit y mayor Cam pbe ll Bar ry and Hutt City councillor Keri Brown turn the first sod for Wainuiomata’s new dog park .

A new year a new principal for Arakura School, Tute Porter-Samuels, former deputy principal and (Special Educational Needs Coordinator for Wainuiomata Primary School.

Minister of Education Chris Hipkins swings into work demolishing a wall while Wainuiomata High School principal Janette Melrose awaits her turn to set the school on the path to rebuild.

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Wednesday January 12, 2022

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Our year in review There was plenty to celebrate in 2021, with the year getting under way when Wainuiomata High School's rebuild finally got underway.

Principal Janette Melrose and minister of education Chris Hipkins swung their sledge hammers in the first step to demolition.

A new dog park was built in record time and named after the late Les Dalton, and Coast Road residents battled to get the City JANUARY The year kicked off with sod turning at the new Les Dalton Dog Park in Waiu Road and the launch of a new birc-a-brac store and Wainuiomata’s Pataka.

Former mayor Ray Wallace was awarded an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his dedication to the community and concerns were raised of the the continued breaches at the Coast Road clean fill.

The Wainuiomata Cricket Club 1st eleven had a draw against Victoria University at Bryan Heath Park.

FEBRUARY Progress began on a two year rebuild of Wainuiomata High School the $24 million dollar project is expected to take two years with the new school providing space for 750 students, the old school buildings were designed for 1,000 students.

Students, dignitaries, teachers, politicians and contractors gathered to celebrate the start of the rebuild with Minister of Education Chris Hipkins and Wainuiomata High School Principal Janette Mel-

Council owned cleanfill up to scratch and complying, a battle which continues this year.

Wainuiomata Intermediate School had a bumper crop of twins arrive for the school year, with ten sets of twins making up ten percent of the school role.

Positive news came for the town centre with Lower Hutt Mayor and local Campbell Barry announcing an estimated $8.2 million will be spent on upgrading the heart of the town.

Students at Wainuiomata High School campaigned to have the skate park up graded which saw $50,000 in funds allocated.

Nga Hau e Wha o Wainuiomata Rugby League under 14 girls proved they had what it takes and came home victorious after attending the New Zealand Mapri Rugby League Championships in Rotorua.

Another lock-down came and went and with housing under pressure nationwide local devel-

oper Adrian Chooi show a new way of doing things with his development of 50 homes setting aside a number of them at a fixed price for first time home buyers.

With the Wainuiomata Marae doing so well with vaccinations staff were treated to a visit from prime minister Jacinda Ardern to thank them for their dedication.

What 2021 has showed us all is the Wainuiomata community can cope and thrive no matter what the challenges are.

rose taking to the old buildings with sledge hammers.

It had been a long held aim for Tute Porter-Samuel to eventually take on the role of school principal and after spending the past six years as deputy at Wainuiomata Primary School Tute finaly had her chance to make a difference taking up the role as principal of Arakura School.

It’s not often nearly 20 percent of a school role but for 2021 Wainuiomata Intermediate School had ten sets of twins with a all of them identical.

Principal Craig Sharp said it was the first time he had seen this number of twins enrolled at the school and it has come as quite a surprise this year.

Healthy lunches were also launched into schools Schools throughout Wainuiomata receiving free lunches daily for students as part of the Ka Ora, Ka Ako, healthy school lunches programme.

As part of the Covid response the programme aims to reduce food insecurity by providing access to a nutritious lunch in school every

day.

And a near perfect day of weather provided the perfect opportunity for Scouting Founders’ Day Fun. February the 22nd is the Birthday of both Robert Baden-Powell and his wife Olave and in New Zealand it is celebrated outdoors free from stiff ceremony, instead some good old fashioned out door fun with a mud slide.

With a gold coin donation to take a ride the celebration provided a chance to raise some funds and produce a lot of smiling faces.

principal Craig Sharp says it was a one off amount of funds made available at the end of 2020.

A new street in the heart of the town was named.

Community Board members voted unanimously to approve the naming of the newly developed lane off Queen Street Te Ara Raukura Lane.

At the previous heated meeting the name of Wainuiomata’s first and only mayor Harry Martin was in favour but a second vote was held as not all members of the community board were available at the first meeting.

At the conclusion of the first meeting Wainuiomata’s, Aroha Puketapu, Te ati awa, laid down a challenge to the Hutt City Council to honour their partnership with Tungata Whenua.

A decision to grant an Integrated Community Pharmacy Services Agreement for Countdown Super Market stunned Wainuiomata Pharmacy owners Evan Choie and Ron Chin.

When first considering the granting of the agreement the panel

MARCH DNA samples collected by students and other groups in the Wainuiomata region revealed a possible invasion of the black Portuguese millipedea although no further findings have been released.

A new playing surface at Wainuiomata Intermediate School was unvailed to the students and provided enjoyment not only for students but the community as a whole.

Paid for as part of the Ministry of educations enhancement program

What a line up, the twins of Wainuiomata Intermediate School. Photo: Gerald Rillstone Wednesday February 24, 2021

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Ginny Andersen MP for Hutt South Petone office: 04 568 2949 Wainuiomata office: 04 564 4988 ginny.andersen@parliament.govt.nz /GinnyAndersenHuttSouth

visit: www.enlivencentral.org.nz/jobs to see our latest listings or email recruit@psc.org.nz

Authorised by Ginny Andersen MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Wednesday January 12, 2022

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inbrief news Eco-packaging for seafood industry

Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry and councillor Keri Brown want as many public submissions on the development of Queen Street as they can get with two options on the table. Photo Gerald Rillstone. Wednesday April 14, 2021 declined to issue one only to have the decision overturned by DHB Director Strategy, Planning and Performance, Rachel Haggerty.

The battle over this issue continues.

After having to cancel twice the Hutt City Chorale Music and movies concert finaly got to go ahead.

In 2020 the concert had to be cancelled as the country moved up Alert levels 3 days before the concert was due to take place, Hutt City Chorale Chairperson Prue McIvor says.

However perseverance has paid off with their third attempt the Music in the Movies concert were performed on Saturday 13 March in St James Church, 71 Woburn Road, Lower Hutt.

McIvor says.

However perseverance has paid off with their third attempt the Music in the Movies concert were performed on Saturday 13 March in St James Church, 71 Woburn Road, Lower Hutt.

APRIL Kokiri Marae goes into overdrive to get the community vaccinated.

They canvassed for questions and concerns and have understandably come across a lot of apprehension.

An estimated 8.2 million dollars could be spent on overhauling Queen Street Wainuiomata and the Hutt City Council is calling on the community for their input to decided whether to do it in one go or delay half of it.

Currently $4.4 million is designated to do parts of the upgrade and Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry and councilor Keri Brown wanted submissions from the community

to help in deciding whether a staged approach is what they want the full overhaul in one go at around $8.2 million.

National List MP based in Hutt South Chris Bishop has launched a campaign for the building of a second access road into Wainuiomata.

The campaign calls on the Hutt Council to priorities a second access through its Long Term Plan consultation (open now) and to talk to the government about backing it with infrastructure funding from its $3.8 billion fund for accelerating housing supply.

House prices continue to rise Wainuiomata with population of 16,901 people is seeing more than its share of house price rises.

Recent survey results from Realestateinvestar show 25.88% of its occupants live in rental accommodation and the median listing price for houses is in Wainuiomata is around $592,000.

This shows a change of 13.85% over the past year and changed 9.47% over 2 years.

According to the figures the median rent in Wainuiomata for houses is $525 per week and the median rental yield is 4.61% and the average time to sell a house/ townhouse is 57 days.

The median listing price for units is $535,000 and this has changed 30.49% over the past year. The average unit takes 52 days to sell and the median rent for a unit in Lower Hutt is $440 per week, producing a rental yield of 4.28%.

MAY

Dallas Serj campaigns for mental health with the Youth Services Union.

What they wanted is for

Chris Bishop

Chicana Kohere-Smith and Tajzhay Pouwhare with some of the stunning weaving produced as part of the ten week course at Wainuiomata Marae. Photo Gerald Rillstone. Wednesday April 21, 2021 the government to put more effor t into funding more BluePrint MH101 courses in communities and schools - Putting more pressure on schools to include more Mental Health Internals or teachings in NCEA Level 1-2 courses -running more courses developed by professionals for Year 9-10 students to learn the basics behind Mental Health.

Understanding the importance of breathing, understanding the real psychological reasons behind the importance of sleep, learning the differences between Depression and Anxiety and learning to identify and address possible triggers.

After three years of selling, promoting and marketing fabulous local art Inspire Art Gallery owner Estelle Cainey hung her last piece of work, closing the door and heading off on her own artistic adventure.

Almost three years prior Estelle set up the Homedale gallery to give local artist at platform to promote their work and to give them a boost and a helping hand with their passion.

A group of enthusiastically community minded Wainuiomata High School students are campaigning for a major upgrade to Wainuiomata Skatepark.

They say the current park is rundown, dangerous and unattractive to not only visitors but to locals as well.

They understand there has been an allocation of funds around $50,000 to level and resurface the existing skatepark but not to

develop the area further could be a missed opportunity to do something worthwhile for the community.

Wainuiomata gets a new coffee cart.

Keen on a barista brewed coffee part owner in the business Dave Downer, who also owns local insulation business D-Fluff Insulation, had been contemplating having a coffee cart on The Strand for a few months and converted a car transporter into a stylish coffee cart.

The Les Dalton Dog Park opens A combined effort to create the Les Dalton Dog Park in Wainuiomata has seen a piece of wasteland put to use serving the community.

It was also fitting to have the park named after a dedicated champion and lover of dogs, the late Les Dalton and it was even more fitting to have the park opened one year to the day of his passing.

Les had dedicated 43 years to working with animal control at Hutt City Council his family was on hand along with two of his dogs to celebrate the opening.

JUNE

Wainuoimata Marae opens it doors as one of the first Marae based vaccination centres in the region.

The June 1 opening of the first marae-based COVID-19 vaccination centre in the Wellington Region is significant because a decision has been made to close the marae to all functions and

Government funding boost to help commercial production of bio-based polystyrene alternative for seafood industry.

A new project will help accelerate the production of a compostable and biodegradable alternative to polystyrene packaging used in the seafood industry.

The Government is contributing $472,500 to the $1.17 million project through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures). The funding will be used to fast-track the production of bio-based commercial packaging ZealaFoam.

Sarah Heine, CEO of Biopolymer Network, says the commercial use of ZealaFoam will offer New Zealand’s seafood industry more plant-based sustainable packaging options, help futureproof the industry, and reduce environmental impacts.

Happy 100th birthday With plans to celebrate her special day with family and friends, elegant and active Jeanne moved to Woburn Home two years ago from Eastbourne.

She has already received her birthday card from HRH Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Jacinda Adern but the certificate Jeanne received in 2010 as a member of the code cracking team at Bletchley Park in World War 11 has a special place in her heart. She also received an Enigma badge.

Jeanne enjoys other kinds of problem solving these days and keeps her mind active with puzzles and board games.

She played golf until she was 84 and was a fierce competitor at a bridge.

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Wednesday January 12, 2022

readers have their say... Find out the WORD on the Street.

Question: Do you have confidence the governments inquiry into supermarkets will make a difference to prices?

Arron Hempsworth

Barbara Stanwood

Lucy Tarrant

Megan Watson

Steve Palmer

Tracy Burke

If it is anything like the petrol investigation not a lot will change.

I am hopeful that we will see some controls put on because wages are not keeping up.

I am not confident there will be any change in the near future these inquiries seem to take for ever.

I am not confident the government will make the a difference to the crazy prices we have to pay.

I don’t have a lot of confidence that there will be a noticable change.

What ever the outcome something needs to be done food prices are out of control.

From: Wednesday August 4, 2021

Sonya Chambers with one of her many projects a 1948 Fordson Hutt City Chorale members past and present celebrated 45 years of singing and performing in Wainuiomata. panel van. Wednesday January 27, 2021 Photo supplied. Wednesday June 30, 2021

Continued from page 3 events except for the COVID-19 vaccination programme until Christmas.

Which means if loved ones pass on during that time, tangi will not be held at the marae.

K kiri Marae Health and Social Services general manager Teresea Olsen, whose team is running the vaccination programme, says Wainuiomata Marae is the largest community venue in the area so there is a logic to opening it up as the centre for everyone to come to be vaccinated.

Wainuiomata children’s author Dahlia Malaeulu has kicked off Vaiaso o le Gagana S moa (S moan Language Week) by launching seven stories in one hit.

Dahlia, also a Pasifika education advocate and author of Mila’s My Aganu’u series of books says this is the first series to be written, edited, illustrated, designed and published by an all Pasifika team.

Chorale celebration and farwell with the Hutt City Chorale celebrating 45 years of singing and performing in Wainuiomata and the Wellington region.

It was forty-five years since the choir was first formed by John Knox, a well known Wainuiomata resident and the choir was known for the first 42 of our 45 years as the “Wainuiomata Choir”.

However, not only was the concert a celebration of 45 years of the choir singing and performing in Wainuiomata and the Wellington region but also a farewell, as from the 8th

July, Hutt City Chorale will commence rehearsing in Lower Hutt at St Marks Church on Woburn Road.

Vaccinations at the Wainuiomata Marae Covid-19 clinic have got off to a great start with around 100 to 140 locals a day getting vaccinated and the numbers continued to climb.

JULY

A meeting is held to discuss a second access road for Wainuiomata.

An additional access road in and out of Wainuiomata is up for discussion again with National list MP Chris Bishop supporting the idea with meetings and a petition.

There have been attempts at getting an additional access route in the past with a petition to develop the existing tunnel five years ago, and the neglect by central and local government to deal with the issue has long been festering, but to date there has been no traction on the issue.

Garnering public support for the road, opening up enough land for around 2500 new houses, Chris held a meeting packing out the Builderbeck Hall in Wainuiomata.

There is an increase in numbers for respiratory illness.

Capital and Coast and Hutt Valley District Health Boards continue to see increasing numbers of people presenting with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and respiratorytype illnesses.

Hutt Hospital currently has 13 children with RSV or respiratorytype illness.

Wainuiomata man David Smith

wants all parents to be aware of RSV and to take precautions to prevent the infection.

David worked in childcare for 30 years and published an in-depth book, Suffer the Little Children, in 2014 and says he is passionate about the health of babies and knows what a great risk RSV is in childcare centres.

The mooted Queen Street development gets funding.

Following on from public consultation in May council has given the green light to the 8.5 million dollar upgrade to the Wainuiomata town centre.

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says the release of the final design for the upgrade of Queen Street in Wainuiomata is a major milestone for the community and will build on the momentum of surrounding developments.

Taking on some of the best during the New Zealand Maori Rugby League Kotiro Championships in Rotorua the Nga Hau e Wha o Wainuiomata Rugby League under 14 girls Kotiro team came home the winners of the NZ Maori Rugby League 14s grade.

Not only did they win but were undefeated in their grade.

Additional to their win, seven members of the team were selected to represent New Zealand and Ayala Toman was awarded player of the tournament.

AUGUST

A new native plant nursery is opened.

Working through bitter winter

conditions Forrest and Bird volunteer Chris Streatfield has completed building the organisations new native plant nursery at the head of the Wainuiomata Recreation area.

Greater Wellington Councillor and Parks Portfolio Leader Prue Lamason officiated at the opening and acknowledged all the hard work Wainuiomata and Orongorongo Park Ranger and Gary James.

She says the whole project came about because Forrest and Bird were going to lose their facility in the city and a new site was needed.

Ranger Ricky came up with the perfect plan to enable the nursery to be built on land in the park among the area seeds are collected for the nursery.

Wainuiomata bids much loved and appreciated GP, Doctor Istvan Gyori, a fond farewell after nearly nine years serving the community as GP at the Whai Oranga o Te Iwi Health Centre.

Originally from Hungary Dr Istvan has previously worked in Ireland before deciding to immigrate to New Zealand.

Wainuiomata’s Bush Fire Force is celebrate 50 years serving the wider community on August the 21st, with an open day at the Station 23 The Strand Wainuiomata from 1 to 3pm.

Wainuiomata Bush Voluntary Rural Fire Force is a volunteer group, trained in rural fire fighting and they respond to rural and vegetation fires in the Wellington rural fire area and beyond.

They also work with Regional Emergency Management and are

available for civil emergencies.

Along with the celebrations the force will also be farewelling a number of longtime members.

Covid strikes again and we all go into lock-down.

SEPTEMBER

Throughout lock-down Wainuiomata Marae has continued vaccinations with thousands of people queuing keen to get their COVID shot.

Teresa Olsen general manager of Kokiri Marae Hauora and Social Services says the vaccination programe has been going well with a steady 2,075 given last week with similar numbers for previous weeks.

Kainga in Wainuiomata– the first private development in New Zealand dedicated to getting first home buyers on the property ladder was inundated with 73 applications for the 11 houses they set aside.

To make the process of for applicants fair and transparent a ballot was held this week at the Wainuiomata HUB to allocate properties to first home buyers.

Spokes person for the development Rebecca Reed says 137 offers were sent out to those interested but not all of those people fitted the criteria some of them were property investors so the number was whittled down to 73.

Kainga in Wainuiomata is a unique community partnership involving a collective of Te ti Awa affiliated businesses deliver housing initiative for first home buyers in Lower Hutt and get people in the

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Continued from page 4 community into work.

The development, located at the junction of Moores Valley Road and Hair Street in Wainuiomata, will include 51 new homes, 41 of which will be set aside for first home buyers. The semi-detached 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 117sqm homes are priced well below the market rate at a fixed rate of $650,000.

The development is the first of a series of projects Koru Homes NZ founder Adrian Chooi has for the region.

OCTOBER

Marae Vaccination centre hosts PM. With the Wainuiomata Vaccination centre being one of the most successful in the region Prime minister Jacinda Ardern payed a visit to thank staff and meet with local politicians.

Hutt South Labour mp Ginny Andersen says young people are leading the statistics in the Hutt area.

Kokiri Health general manager Teresea Olsen says they are pleased with the uptake of vaccinations among the community although there are still other social issues continue to impact Maori turning up to be vaccinated.

Numbers coming through the centre are still steady since it opened in June with up to 300 members of the public per day currently getting both their first and second vaccination.

A new ten week transitional engament course connected with Wainuiomata Marae gets underway this week to help young males aged between 15 and 24 get ready for work.

The course will get applicants job and interview ready and give assistance with gaining a drivers license, first aid certificate and a level four certificate in Te Pou Hono

Toi Twwoa.

Course facilitator Lucky Sullivan and Vince Taripo say as part of the course they will also focus on health and well being and transport and kai will be provided.

Kokiri Marae launches a bus to provide vaccinations in the region.

Super Saturday saw the launch of the Delta Buster Bus the latest weapon in the fight to protect the community against the serious affects of COVID. Launching the the bus got underway at the Remakery in Lower Hutt with a blessing and t was soon busy with people queuing for their fist and second shots and a free strawberry plant to go with it.

Kokiri Marae general manager Teresea Olsen says there is still resistance out their but now they have the clinic on wheels they will be able to target areas of low vaccination rates.

NOVEMBER

Local man and volunteer fire fighter Jordan Martin raises fund for mental health.

Jordan set up a GoFundMe page and even before he had started his first climb over $1,000 had been donated, with all donations going to the Movember movement.

He had been thinking of ways to raise funds for a while and woke up with the idea one morning and decided to get stuck in.

Jordan has had his own struggles with mental health he says and knows how tough it can be.

“I’m out here showing people that I care, and I’m here for them, I’m here to support their mental health, I’m here to listen to their struggles, I want to be here for my friends and my family and my community,” Jordan says.

Wainuiomata’s Dallas Serj who was the driving force behind the

Youth Services Union in the Lower Hutt and Wellington region decided to step down from the position of chairman of the union.

Instramental in leading a campain for better mental health education in schools is Wainuiomata’s Dallas Serj was a year 13 student when the union was formed, bring together students from throughout the North Island to petition government for better mental health education in schools.

The Wainuiomata Community Board Spirit awards are always a special occasion and an opportunity to acknowledging local people who go above and beyond for their community.

This year there were 16 amazing nominations, and the board had a very difficult decision choosing as all were equally deserving.

The youngest was 10 year old Trey-Zell and proved a popular recipient on the day for his work raising funds for charities.

Trey has created his own business using scrap material and a sewing machineto upcycled scrap material into , scrunches, headbands, phone cases and phone pillows.

Hutt City Council is just the third Council in New Zealand to gain Living Wage accreditation status.

Accreditation is the culmination of a three-year journey which began in 2018 when Council resolved to pay the Living Wage to all directly employed staff.

DECEMBER

Covid restrictions prevent festive events so no Christmas in the Nui parade for 2021.

Friends Who Care Charitable Turst have partnered with the Mix in Lower Hutt to provide a new base out of the Trust’s Rowe Parade property.

With funding from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage Lower Hutt’s

Facilitators at the newly opened Mix base in Wainuiomata Dani Renata and Garry Gerrard outside the repurposed Friends of Wainuiomata house.

Mix joined with Friends Who Care honours.

Garry Gerrard, a well-known to provide programmes for the next Wainuiomata artist, has been with three years.

Part of the COVID recovery fund the Mix for 22 years and says the was put toward creative spaces and idea is to also have an open studio Mix is one of 54 organisations to and people can do what they want to do themselves or a set programme receive funding.

Mix is a mental health and disa- doing bone carving or painting in bility service provider and the move masters.

And fifty dreams are realised at into Wainuiomata sees their first the turning of sods for the Koru steps in expanding services.

The house was previously used Homes NZ development.

Koru Homes NZ along with a

by Friends Who Care as a place where people with experience of collective of Te ti Awa affiliated mental illness and addictions could businesses celebrated and blessed become part of, and drive, the solu- the Hair Street site as building commences on 50 new homes. tions towards their own recovery.

The building of the homes is the For the past few years the building has been empty but will now first private development in New become a busy hub, an extension Zealand dedicated to getting first of the Lower Hutt based Mix pro- home buyers on the property ladder.

The development is the first of a viding a mental health community day service offering programmes series of projects Koru Homes NZ founder Adrian Chooi has for the in art and well-being.

New to the Mix and one of the region.

Ten of the homes in the developfacilitators at the Wainuiomata Mix ment were up for tender to cover is Dani Renata.

Dani recently completed a degree the expected cost escalation from in Maori and visual arts design now to completion, so that, they do and a masters in professional cre- not pass the cost increment to first ative practice in Maori art with home buyers.

What’s Cooking... Happy new year! in BBQ Beef-Stuffed Potatoes Ingredients:

Method:

s 1/4 cup dark brown sugar s 3 tablespoons unsalted tomato paste s 2 tablespoons reducedsodium Worcestershire sauce s 1 tablespoon chili powder s 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided s 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper, divided s 1 1/2 pounds boneless chuck roast, trimmed s 1 1/2 cups vertically sliced red onion Cooking spray s 6 (4-oz.) russet potatoes s 2 teaspoons olive oil s 3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 3/4 cup) s 6 tablespoons light sour cream s 1/4 cup sliced green onions

1. Combine brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl; rub generously over roast.

2. Place red onion slices in bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker coated with cooking spray; top with roast.

3. Rub potatoes with oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Wrap each potato in parchment paper; arrange on top of roast. Cover and cook on LOW 8 hours or until tender.

4. Unwrap potatoes; split lengthwise, cutting to but not through the other side. Shred roast with 2 forks, and stir to combine with onion mixture.

5. Top each potato with 1/2 cup beef mixture, 2 tablespoons cheese, 1 tablespoon sour cream, 2 teaspoons green onions, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

I hope you have had a safe and enjoyable break over the Christmas and Holiday period.

The warm weather is always a reminder of how lucky we are in Wainuiomata and the Hutt. Our walking tracks, the best outdoor pool in the region and so much more — I hope you’ve been able to enjoy it.

And for our essential workers, retail, and hospitality staff who have worked through the break — thank you for keeping things going.

While 2021 was another challenging year, we made some good progress. For 2022, I’m looking forward to building on that momentum by continuing where we left off.

In Wainuiomata, we will be getting on with the Wainuiomata Streetscape project.

This will link in closely with the redevelopment of the old Mall site, new Countdown, and Masonic Retirement Village — all at the heart of our community.

Council is investing $8.5 million towards improving Queen Street, to create spaces for concerts and performances, markets and exhibitions, and a pavilion.

Alongside this, we’re continuing to work hard in upgrading our three water infrastructure across the city, including a large number of upgrades in Wainuiomata.

After years of historic underinvestment in our core infrastructure, and significant population growth over the past five years, this is a top priority for Council.

In Wainuiomata we need to address issues with leaks and bursts of our water mains, and deal with our storm and wastewater issues. What we flush down the toilet shouldn’t end up in our rivers, streams, and creeks. To clean up our waterways, Wellington Water will continue sending our teams to identify these issues, and work with Council and homeowners to prevent contamination from occurring.

Ultimately, the infrastructure that we invest in now will build solid foundations for our generations ahead, and I’m excited to work with you to continue to deliver that in 2022.

As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at campbell.barry@huttcity.govt.nz, or on any of my social media sites.

Wednesday January 12, 2022

In 2022, parents and caregivers will be able to get their 5 to 11-year-olds immunised against COVID-19 Some tamariki get very ill from catching COVID-19 and immunisation is one of the best ways to protect them.

Safety of the COVID-19 vaccine

Immunisation is an important way we keep tamariki safe, like being sun smart or wearing a seatbelt.

The child (paediatric) Pfizer vaccine has gone through the same rigorous approval process as other routine childhood immunisations. No clinical trials were skipped and no corners were cut in the testing of its safety.

It protects your tamariki from many serious diseases and stops disease spreading within your whānau and the community. In Aotearoa, tamariki get free vaccinations against 12 diseases, including whooping cough (pertussis), measles and polio.

The Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds has been through clinical trials with children in this age group. In general, the side effects that were reported were mild, didn’t last long, and were similar to side effects from other routine immunisations.

Take time this summer to get the information and advice you need to make the best decision for your tamariki. Find out more at: Unite Against COVID-19 – Covid19.govt.nz/tamariki Or call the COVID Vaccination Ministry of Health – Health.govt.nz/CovidVaccineKids Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 Te Puni Kōkiri – Karawhiua.nz Ministry for Pacific Peoples – mpp.govt.nz

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Wednesday January 12, 2022

Hutt South Labour MP Ginny Andersen with Koru Homes NZ founder Adrian Chooi. Photo Gerald Rillstone.

Getting boosted into 2022 From Ginny Andersen I have been loving the good Summer weather and having time with family and friends.

Chats over the BBQ have all touched on what a tough year 2021 has been. There’s a whole lot of new challenges on the horizon for 2022 and plenty to look forward to.

As we continue to rise to the challenges the pandemic has thrown our way, our Government is focused on securing the country’s recovery. We’ll continue to keep New Zealanders safe from COVID-19, grow our economy and tackle the big challenges like inequality, housing and climate change. As a strong community we can emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.

COVID-19 has highlighted how critical our health system is to protect New Zealanders and support our wellbeing. This year we will make significant investment in establishing a new national health service, one that draws on the best of what we have now but enables doctors, nurses and other health workers to focus on putting patients’ needs first.

There will be a lot going on here in Wainuiomata this year as well. It’s awesome to see how much progress has been

made on the redevelopment of Wainuiomata High School.

The new Maori, Arts and technology block is due to be completed in June with the overall rebuild planned for 2024. The Wainuiomata town centre upgrade is starting soon with stage one of the Queen St redevelopment planned for February. It will be great to see the heart of Wainuiomata getting a refresh. This along with the new dog park and shared pathway over the Hill have made real improvements to our community environment.

A big part of keeping ourselves safe this year will be continuing our strong track record of getting vaccinated.

Booster shots are now available for people aged 18 and older who had their second vaccination four months ago. You can visit a walk-in site or book an appointment on Healthline 0800 28 29 26. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to protect their tamariki aged 5 to 11 with children’s vaccinations being available in mid-January.

As always my office and team are here to help. It is great to be able to provide advice and support to anyone who needs it – don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Wishing everyone a safe and very happy 2022.

WelTec student represents Later this month Wellington Institute of Technology Ltd (WelTec) student Sian Davis will represent New Zealand in the 8th annual Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) event.

YCO is the biggest culinary event in the world for young chefs, and for the past five years students from WelTec have represented New Zealand in competition. 60

countries will compete this year and the competition will take place virtually, making it the largest ever virtual culinary competition.

Sian is about to graduate with a New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5). She was the commis chef for last year’s WelTec competitor Jess Hoskins, who achieved an incredible result of 3rd in the world.

GARDENING THIS WEEK Healthy crops, healthy you: By Wally Richards Our plants need to a very healthy soil (Soil Food Web) full of organic materials, along with all the minerals and elements possible. $GG WR WKLV VX൶ FLHQW VXQOLJKW DQG water for the optimum growth of the plants. Also protection from elements and a suitable pH and even with all these in place a plant can get into stress through temperature À XFWXDWLRQV FKORULQDWHG ZDWHU DQG other chemicals.

We know, generally speaking, that a healthy plant is less prone to diseases and insect attack (both are natures cleaners) but if the plant gets into stress then the chances are it will have pests and diseases attacking with more vigor.

If we then treat with a chemical control the plant may overcome that particular problem but its immune system is further weakened making it more vulnerable to problems.

We are very similar; if we have a home-grown diet of vegetables and fruit that are teeming with nutrition we are going to have healthy bodies.

Even so if we get into stress for what ever reason then our immune system is compromised and we catch a cold. If our food chain is not really healthy and we are eating chemically-laden produce that is low in goodness then our health is in trouble.

Our body is storing up poisons that it can’t clear out which leads to the major health issues we see

today, cancers, heart and mental function problems.

One simple health example of this is sulphur. Our bodies need a daily amount of sulphur to peform several functions because our body does not store sulphur. It uses whats available at that time and expels any surplus.

You can ensure your home-grown vegetables contain sulphur by spreading gypsum around about every three months. Also my calcium and health product contains sulphur and other important elements such as selenium.

If you take sulphur food supplement which is called MSM for a IHZ ZHHNV \RX ZLOO ¿ QG RXW LI \RX are lacking in this mineral or not. <RXU ¿ UVW VLJQV DUH XVXDOO\ D GHWR[ More info if you are interested at http://www.gardenews.co.nz/ msm.html.

A problem arises for some people in as much as they can’t grow big gardens of vegetables and have a good selection of fruiting plants.

Lack of room can be a problem, yet with the smallest amount of space you can grow some really JUHDW KHDOWK EHQH¿ FLDO SODQWV Wheat grass is about the healthiest plant you can grow because it will take up all the 114 minerals and elements if they are provided in the growing medium.

That is the minerals from the Ocean (Ocean Solids) the minerals from rocks (Wally’s Unlocking Soil) and the minerals from prehis-

toric times, Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL).

These are used in the growing of your wheat grass so that when you cut and either juice it or use it in green smoothies then your body is maxing out in goodness.

Just 30mls a day of the pure juice FDQ PDNH WKH ZRUOG RI GL൵ HUHQFH WR your wellbeing.

A question that I have been asked is the wheat juice gluten free? Yes because it is the wheat seed or more importantly the contents of the seed À RXU WKDW LV WKH JOXWHQ ELW It is now just the beginning of -DQXDU\ DQG RQO\ ¿ YH PRQWKV WR the shortest day.

Planting of vegetables for winter cropping is a do ‘right now’ so you catch the most daylight hours possible before the days start to really close in.

Use Neem Tree Powder with your plantings of vegetables and ZLWK \RXU FDEEDJHV FDXOLÀ RZHUV etc use hoops and crop cover (bug mesh) over the plants to stop white EXWWHUÀ LHV IURP OD\LQJ WKHLU HJJV on the leaves.

Leeks, silverbeet, carrots, parsnips should be planted now, the latter two from seed direct sown where they are going to grow.

Keep planting salad crops so you have ample lettuce, spring onion and radishes. :LQWHU À RZHULQJ SODQWV DUH DOVR coming available and the sooner you get them in, the sooner they ZLOO HVWDEOLVK DQG VWDUW À RZHULQJ

New forecast tool investment The Government is set to invest in the development of a new forecasting tool that makes use of innovative climate modelling to help farmers and growers prepare for dry conditions, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced yesterday.

The new approach, which the

Want more business locally?

Minister says will cost $200,000 and be jointly funded through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), will provide daily drought forecasts out to 35 days.

Later, the project will also explore

drought predictions up to six months ahead, he said.

NIWA currently provides seasonal climate outlooks each month that look three months ahead, but are not drought specific.

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Wednesday January 12, 2022

9

Take a distress beacon Everyone wants to have a fun and safe summer season.

New Zealand Police and the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) are both encouraging sound planning and preparation for any outdoor adventure, be it camping with the family or tramping in our beautiful outdoor environment.

A recent increase in people getting outdoors has the New Zealand Police and MSC predicting a high number of people will hit the outdoors over the holiday season.

Senior Sergeant Pete Theobald National Coordinator for Search and Rescue at Police says there are a few things you need to take seriously when planning your tramping or camping trip.

“Tell someone where you are going and let them know when to raise the alarm if you don’t return.

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“If you get into trouble, can you call for help? Who knows where you are? Do you have the right outdoors clothing, enough food and equipment to stay safe until help arrives? Because of COVID, there’s even more to consider,” he says.

MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley says with international travel still off the cards and numerous marketing campaigns encouraging Kiwis to explore their own backyard, there will be a lot of new users taking to the hills this summer.

“If you are planning to get out and explore, it is a really good idea to take some time to learn about your destination and to prepare yourself using some of our free online resources or the new www. planmywalk.nz, app” he says.

MSC have recently launched a

new trip planning app called Plan My Walk which supports planning of anything from a day walk, overnight or multi-day tramp.

Developed to enable easy and quality trip planning and preparation, the app also provides motivation and inspiration through showcasing thousands of Aotearoa’s public walking and tramping tracks.

Complete with track alerts, MetService weather, gear lists, personalised plan and profile section, the app is perfect for sound summer tramping planning.

“As we see this surge in interest, we are encouraging those users to think about their personal safety and take a few simple steps to ensuring they have a great, safe experience, and make it home,” says Daisley.

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Wednesday January 12, 2022

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Hut t Cit y Cou nci l unanimously adopted its 2020-21 Annual Report, which acknowledges progress made on key projects despite the ongoing challenge posed by the response to COVID-19.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made over the past financial year; we’ve tackled a number of big projects and really ramped up our capital spending program with $65M invested for the year,” Mayor Campbell Barry says.

“We’ve spent just under

$25 million on improving our water network; we delivered the Beltway Cycleway between Tait and Waterloo; we’ve reopened the refurbished Days Bay Wharf; and we built the Les Dalton Dog Park in Wainuiomata. All of this was achieved alongside our ongoing response to COVID-19.”

Hutt City Council Chief Executive Jo Miller says that in many ways the past year has been about building strong foundations for the city’s future.

“Council has progressed

a number of key projects and focused on getting the basics done while managing our finances well. We also maintained our strong AA Standard and Poor’s international credit rating, which puts us in a great position to continue to deliver on our investment programme.”

Both the 2020-21 Annual Report and the summary version can be found here.

Note: This Annual Report relates to the financial year period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

W E D N E S D AY

FACT

Waiting in time Composed by David Smith 2021

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View the Wainuiomata News online

www.wsn.co.nz

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41. Illness (7) 43. Gaunt (7) 44. Fine cotton fabric (6) 45. Bewilder (6) 46. Muffled (5) 47. Uncanny (5) 49. Comfort (5)

Solution

LastSOLUTION Year: 22 December 2021 For For October April 9,6, 2003 2004

Wednesday January 12, 2022

SPORT

11

SPORTS TALK With Jacob Page

Black Caps rightly banged

by Bangladesh My hat is off to the inspired Bangladesh cricket team for their first test win over New Zealand at Mt Maunganui last week.

The touring team completely outplayed the Black Caps in every facet of the test at Mt Maunganui and deservedly earned their first ever taste of success on New Zealand soil.

Like many, including myself, I thought a 2-0 series win was a fait accompli, unfortunately,

the Black Caps played with that mindset and were deservedly and thoroughly beaten.

There are several major concerns coming from the test.

The all-conquering Kiwi seam attack were not able to get the ball to do as much as their Bangladeshi counterparts.

The Bangladeshi bowlers got more seam movement, more swing and reverse swing consistently throughout the game and

got the rewards.

The other issue was the Black Caps middle and lower-order batting which showed little application in either innings.

New full time wicket-keeper Tom Blundell should already be feeling pressure on his spot.

The Wellington gloveman’s work behind the stumps was average at best, with former captain and keeper Brendon McCullum mentioning it a couple of times

on television commentary.

Blundell has also only averaged 12 with the bat in his last seven tests.

You don’t need to be a cricket tragic to realise that is horrible for a No 6 batsman.

The test side continues to struggle for a genuine all rounder in the No 7 position.

They cannot blood youngster Rachin Ravindra in that role if Blundell continues to fail ahead

of him.

Equally, Ravindra must score runs and be a threat with his spinners, none of which he managed in the opening test.

It’s easy to say Ajaz Patel should have been picked in hindsight, the reality seems to be that a lethargic and uninspired Black Caps team, minus leader Kane Williamson were taught a test cricket lesson.

They were essentially banged by the Bangers and deserved it.

50TH HONDA SUMMERCROSS IS FIZZING

By Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

It’s summer time again and time too for the new Kiwi motocross season to get twisted full throttle – and that can only mean one thing, it’s also time for the big annual Whakatane Summercross.

It will run a month later this time around, and that means there will not officially be a Summercross event in 2021, but riders will have a few extra weeks to prepare and it will be “go time” before they know it, on January 29 and 30, 2022.

The host Bay of Plenty Motorcycle Club (BOPMCC) promises it will be worth the wait.

As usual it will be run at the club’s popular Awakaponga circuit, near Matata, and the Hondasponsored Summercross event

should again attract a “Who’s Who” of Kiwi motocross talent and that’s especially important, with it this time also being the 50th anniversary of the famous event.

Even with uncertainty over the rulings around the COVID-19 pandemic, the BOPMCC has opted to go ahead with their fabled event, albeit a month later, with Saturday, January 29, set aside for junior and mini bike racing and Sunday, January 30, the date for the seniors, veterans and women to race.

The event will again this year act as a springboard for riders heading into the busy part of the season, culminating with the four-round New Zealand Motocross Championships in February and March.

It will be hard to look much

Oparau's James Scott (Honda CRF250), one of the favourites to win at Summercross this season. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

further than riders such as Mount Maunganui’s Cody Cooper, Oparau’s James Scott, Hamilton’s Kayne Lamont, Mount Maunganui’s Josiah Natzke, Edgecumbe’s Quade Young, Tauranga’s Brodie Connolly and Wairoa’s Tommy Watts, to name a few, should also be knocking on

the door for the prized silverware.

With the annual New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville at the end of January already now cancelled for 2022, this makes Whakatane’s Summercross event even more of a standout and a now a very rare opportunity for the country’s elite

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to properly warm up ahead of the 2022 senior nationals.

Riders will no doubt use this event as part of their build-up to the Summer season, particularly the four-round nationals, with round one of that to be held in the South Island on Saturday, February 12, 2022.

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Wednesday January 12, 2022